FDU Black History Month 2024

Feb. 1, 2024 – Feb. 29, 2024: View the Black History Month library exhibit all month long! Available at Florham Campus Library. More information found here.

Feb. 1, 2024 – Feb. 29, 2024: View the African American Genealogy and Historical Narratives library exhibit for the entire month! Available at Metropolitan Campus Library. More information found here.

Feb. 6, 2024 at 7 PM: “Black Storytelling”

Writer and director Cord Jefferson discusses a departure from the tragic, black storytelling, the meaning behind his new film, “American Fiction,” and strength and resilience within the black community. Interview comes from the 2023 Martha’s Vineyard African-American Film Festival. Sponsored by the Maxwell Becton College of Arts and Sciences and the FDU Libraries. Registration and Zoom link available here. For more information, contact Michael Cotto, assistant professor of literature, at michaelcotto@fdu.edu.

Feb. 8, 2024: “Rep Ya Flag”

Sponsored by the West Indian Student Association. Florham Campus: Lenfell Hall, Hennessy Hall (The Mansion). For more information, contact Ashley Augustin at a.augustin@student.fdu.edu.

Feb. 13, 2024 at 7 PM: “Black History Trivia”

Sponsored by Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated. Florham Campus: Bottle Hill Room, Santoloci Student Center. For more information, contact Syniah Adams at s.adams@student.fdu.edu. Follow the FDU Florham Campus chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated on Instagram here.

Feb. 14, 2024 at 7 PM: “American Fiction”

Screening for the movie “American Fiction.” A frustrated writer and professor pens a satirical novel that relies on outlandish stereotypes and offensive tropes towards black characters. It is not until then that he finally receives approvals and accolades from ‘the establishment’ that he has been looking for throughout his career. Sponsored by the Maxwell Becton College of Arts and Sciences and the FDU Libraries. Registration and Zoom link available here. For more information, contact Michael Cotto, assistant professor of literature, at michaelcotto@fdu.edu.

Feb. 22, 2024 at 7 PM: “The Black Academic, Scholar, and Intellectual”

A panel discussion. African and African American professors, instructors and administrators from Fairleigh Dickinson University share their views and experiences. Panelists include: Uchenna Baker, vice president for student affairs and dean of students; Michael Cotto, assistant professor of literature; Frederick Engram, Jr., assistant professor of higher education; Vaniah Howell, assistant professor of animation; Adam Rudder, assistant professor of humanities and program coordinator, BA in individualized studies; and Randall Westbrook, lecturer of education. Moderated by Melissa John, research and instruction librarian, Metropolitan Campus Library. Sponsored by the Maxwell Becton College of Arts and Sciences and the FDU Libraries. Registration and Zoom link available here. For more information, contact Michael Cotto, assistant professor of humanities, at michaelcotto@fdu.edu.

Feb. 23, 2024 at 6:30 PM: “African American Genealogy”

A presentation about resources and strategies on finding your ancestors and tracing your lineage. Presented by Cherekana Feliciano, president, and Janice Gilyard from the Afro-American Historical and Genealogical Society, Inc. – New Jersey chapter. Sponsored by the FDU Libraries. Registration and Zoom link available here. For more information, contact Melissa John, research and instruction librarian, Metropolitan Campus Library, at m.john@fdu.edu.

Feb. 27, 2024 at 3 PM: “An Interview with Dr. Jonathan W. Gray”

Jonathan W. Gray, associate professor at John Jay College-CUNY and CUNY Graduate Center, is the author of “Civil Rights in the White Literary Imagination,” and is currently writing “Illustrating the Race: Representing Blackness in American Comics.” Sponsored by the Maxwell Becton College of Arts and Sciences and the FDU Libraries. Florham Campus: Orangerie, Monninger Center. Registration and Zoom link available here. For more information, contact Michael Cotto, assistant professor of literature, at michaelcotto@fdu.edu.

Feb. 29, 2024 at 6 PM: “50 Shades of Brown Dinner”

Sponsored by the Black Student Union. Florham Campus: Orangerie, Monninger Center. For more information, contact Taniaya Morris at t.morris1@student.fdu.edu. Follow the FDU Florham Campus’ Black Student Union on Instagram here.